Mose Tuiali'i has been cleared of any serious injury following an incident in Canterbury's Air New Zealand Cup victory over Southland on Friday night.

Canterbury No8 Tuiali’i injured his neck in a lineout after coming on as a substitute in the second-half. He was taken to Southland Hospital in Invercargill for an X-ray which confirmed that did not suffer a serious injury.

He travelled back to Christchurch with the rest of the team today and will be monitored further by the Canterbury medical team. A decision on his availability for the quarter-final at AMI Stadium should be made on Monday or Tuesday.

The result of tomorrow’s game between Auckland and Northland will determine who Canterbury plays in the quarter-final. A date and kick-off time also have yet to be finalised.

Canterbury coach Rob Penney was happy to chalk up the victory, Canterbury’s ninth of the season, against a physical Southland side.

"I was very pleased with our forwards, many of whom are fairly young, against a tough and experienced Southland pack," he said. "Also, our defence was once again very impressive. Our enthusiasm and commitment in this facet of play is very encouraging."

Centre Casey Laulala made his first return to the field after breaking his left arm in July and was outstanding as a second-half substitute. Hooker Corey Flynn, who made his first start of the season since returning from his own broken arm, had a very solid game against his former province.

Captain Kieran Read was also inspirational, once again getting through an enormous amount work and getting a deserved try late in the game.

Canterbury scored three tries through James Paterson, Tyson Keats and Read and once again prevented the opposition from crossing their try-line.